CAPE TOWN – The army will not be deployed to gang-infested communities across the Peninsula, Presidency spokesperson Mac Maharaj announced on Wednesday.

In July, Western Cape Premier Helen Zille wrote to President Jacob Zuma asking for troops to be deployed to end the violence.

But Zuma believes a long-term plan is needed to address the issue.

“The president consulted with the minister of police and minister of defence. The two ministers highlighted that the situation in these areas required a long-term and multi-disciplinary approach,” said Maharaj.

He said police as well as government’s social and economic cluster need to get involved.

At least 23 people, including women and children, have been killed in gang violence across the province in recent months.

Hanover Park, Lavender Hill and Gugulethu have seen an increase in gang violence.

Children are allegedly being recruited by gangsters and many are forced to drop out of school.